A DRUG driver seen by police swerving across the A590 was taking cannabis to boost his appetite, a court heard.

Benjamin Rothwell appeared in court after he was stopped by police driving in Ulverston.

The 36-year-old defendant admitted a charge of drug driving when he appeared before South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court.

Rothwell was said to have been using the class B drug to increase his appetite after recent rapid weight loss.

Prosecutor Peter Bardsley explained that the defendant, of Princes Street in Ulverston, was stopped by police in the early hours of November 5.

They were alerted due to the manner of driving.

Mr Bardsley told the court: “Just after midnight police saw a Mini Cooper travelling towards Ulverston.

“They witnessed it swerving in its lane.

“Officers could smell cannabis coming from his vehicle.

“A roadside test was positive for cannabis.”

Mr Bardsley said a sample of blood taken from the defendant at the police station revealed Rothwell had 2.9 microgrammes of cannabis per litre of blood, over the legal threshold of 2ug.

In mitigation, solicitor Michael Graham said: “The defendant has complied with the processes.

“He indicated to me he had problems recently with his health.

“He has diabetes.

“The weight was falling off him.

"He was taking cannabis to increase his appetite.”

Mr Graham said Rothwell’s employment as a chef in Coniston was ‘in the balance’ due to his court appearance because of a lack of available public transport.

“He does accept he’s going to have a lengthy disqualification today,” Mr Graham added.

Sentencing, district judge John Temperley said: “It’s right that you will be facing a lengthy ban because of your previous conviction in 2015.”

The judge fined Rothwell £300 for the offence.

He also handed down a three-year ban from driving as well as a £34 victim surcharge and costs of £85.

“If you’ve driven here please don’t drive away,” said Judge Temperley to the defendant.